COVID safety protocols led to a different looking Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Culinary Competition this year. The event took place virtually with students cooking from their own kitchens.
Preschool

Overview of the preschool programs offered in LWSD
The LWSD Preschool Program focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. Families with a 3- and/or 4-year-old child living within the boundaries of Lake Washington School District are eligible to apply for the preschool program. Your child must be 3 or 4 years old by August 31, 2021 and live within the Lake Washington School District boundaries. (Students who are 5 years old on or before August 31, 2021 must register for Kindergarten).
Program locations for 2021-22 are below (Subject to change prior to school starting in September)
- Kirkland: Bell Elementary, Juanita Elementary, Muir Elementary, Sandburg Elementary
- Redmond: Old Redmond Schoolhouse, Wilder Elementary
- Sammamish: Carson Elementary
Preschool attendance location is determined by your home address.
Preschool students attend class four days per week. Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The morning class is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the afternoon class is from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuition for community preschool students is $4,000 per school year. ($400 monthly payments September- May). A deposit of $400 is required upon enrollment and counts toward Junes tuition/payment.
Transportation is not provided for community preschool students.
2021-22 Preschool Registration
If you have already received an email confirming your child's seat in the tuition-based program or Head Start program, please begin online registration here.
Some locations may still have availability. If you are interested in getting on the waitlist complete the interest statement below.
Preschool Interest ForM Waitlist
Currently enrolled/returning preschool students and preschool students on an IEP or Preschool students enrolled in our Head Start program do not need to fill out the interest statement to enter the lottery.
Families on the waitlist at specific preschool locations will be called and offered seats as they become available.
After April 1, 2021 registration/enrollments will be handled at the LWSD Early Learning Center at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse to fill any seats remaining after the lottery.
Please direct any questions to Nichole Townsend, preschool registrar at ntownsend@lwsd.org.
Special Education Program:
- If your child has an IEP and is already enrolled in the 2020-21 preschool program and is eligible for another year of preschool, no action is needed. Your student will roll into the 2021-22 school year.
- If you have concerns about your child’s development or have been referred for an evaluation, please contact our Child Find Coordinator
- If your student has already been evaluated by Lake Washington School District and has qualified for services, please email the Preschool Registration Team
If you are interested in the Head Start (Federally Funded) Program:
- Application information for 2021-22 forthcoming.
The LWSD Preschool Program focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. Families with a 3- and/or 4-year-old child living within the boundaries of Lake Washington School District are eligible to apply for the preschool program.
LWSD offers the following preschool programs:
Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive early childhood program offering services for the entire family and focuses on school readiness. Families whose income meets the federal poverty guidelines qualify for the Head Start component of the preschool program. The program is designed for children ages 3 and 4, with priority for enrollment given to 4-year-olds. Verification of income must be received before a family can be considered for placement in Head Start. A Family Support Specialist works with families to obtain all needed income documentation.
Head Start Preschool hours*
Morning classes: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon classes: 12:30 – 4 p.m.
Head Start locations: A.G. Bell (Kirkland) and Old Redmond Schoolhouse
*Times may vary slightly at individual schools.
Learn more about the Head Start Preschool Program
Lake Washington School District Preschool Program
The program offers a comprehensive early childhood learning experience in preparation for kindergarten. Classes include typically developing children from the community as well as students receiving special education.
Preschool hours*
Morning classes: 10 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon classes: 1:30 – 4 p.m.
*Times may vary at individual schools.
Learn more about the Lake Washington School District Preschool Program
SNAPS
Students Needing Additional Programming Support (SNAPS) is a special education program serving eligible preschool students ages 3-5 with a primary diagnosis of autism. The SNAPS program is designed to supplement the LWSD preschool program and better meet the needs of students with autism and their families. It is an intensive, early-intervention program that involves extensive evaluation, planning and progress-monitoring to help better prepare children for kindergarten entry.
SNAPS hours:*
SNAPS students attend both preschool and SNAPS.
10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or 12:30 - 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, in addition to preschool
*Times may vary slightly at individual schools.
Learn more about the SNAPS Program
Program structure
The preschool program school year begins in mid-September. Classes are located at elementary schools across the district. Students are assigned to the school nearest their home with available space. Average class size is 15-18 students. Preschoolers attend four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Preschool children and families have access to a variety of services, which may include:
- Unique education experiences
- Literacy program
- Vision, hearing & developmental screenings
- Parent education opportunities
- Health and nutrition education for children and families
Classroom activities are based on the Creative Curriculum to prepare children for kindergarten.
Preschool
Contact Us
Preschool Registration Questions?
Contact: Nichole Townsend
Preschool Registrar
ntownsend@lwsd.org
425-936-2845
Concerns about your child’s development or been referred for an evaluation?
Contact: Linda Pankow, Child Find Coordinator
lpankow@lwsd.org
425-936-2846
For more information on the Head Start preschool program:
Contact: Katie Walker
kawalker@lwsd.org
425-936-1170 option 2.
Kim Brenner
Director of Early Learning
kbrenner@lwsd.org
425-936-2844
Old Redmond Schoolhouse
16600 NE 80th St.
Redmond, WA 98052
425-936-2840